Alexe Louisa

Congratulations to our president and Founder Fabienne Colas who was awarded a Medal from Quebec’s National Assembly on Monday February 23, alongside two other members of Montreal’s black community Noel Alexander and Benoit Songa – recognizing their contribution to Quebec society. They were all recognized for their leadership and engagement in the black community and received the meadals from Kathleen Weil, Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion. Read more

Rosey Edeh, anchor of the News at Noon and host of The Morning Show at Global News, will be hosting the Panel Discussion “Black actors in Hollywoord, then and now“, featuring actors Fred Williamson, Lanette Ware, Bill Cobbs, on Sunday, February 15, 5PM at Jackman Hall (AGO).

Here are 5 things you don’t know about Rosey Edeh:

– She was born in London, England, but raised in Montreal.

– Rosey began her career as a sports reporter with CFCF News Montreal before becoming a weather and entertainment reporter with Global Montreal. In 2001, Rosey moved to the United States to work with CNN’s American Morning, and later worked with MSNBC’s Early Today morning program.

– Rosey has been a three-time Olympian. She is also a world-class athlete and was a four-time All American. She represented Canada in the Summer Olympics three times in 1988, 1992, and 1996, and also won medals in the Commonwealth Games and the World University Games. She is the current Canadian record holder in the 400m hurdles.

– She speaks fluent French (yes, she does!).

– Rosey has also interviewed some of Canada’s most interesting personalities, including actor Ryan Reynolds, Academy Award-winning writer/director Paul Haggis, and hockey

Bonus: She also hosted a conference with Bestselling author Stedman Graham last year at the Toronto Black Film Festival.

Come meet Rosey for what will be an amazing panel discussion with actors Fred ”The Hammer” Williamson, Lanette Ware and Bill Cobbs on Sunday, February 15, Click here for details!

You’re not sure what to see at #TBFF15??? Our programming team can help!

Emile Castonguay – TBFF Co-founder / Programming Director and Joyce Fuerza – Programmer / Programming Coordinator accepted to share each 5 films that really touched them. Narrowing down to 5 films was not an easy task as they are the ones who selected all the 38 films coming from 18 countries. But they did it just for you:

Another shocking documentary that will show you how the consequence of death and corruption can bring strength and persistence to lots of people to keep on fighting for a dream that is worth fighting for.

The main subjects of this documentary teach us all to take action, give back, and fight for what we believe in, even in a country like South Sudan with constant civil wars and violent raids. Quite an inspiring story AND is a must-see.

Amazing film on how PTSD can affect not only the lives of those who suffer from it, but also those who are living with them daily. Powerful love story, great actors, fantastic art direction! A must-see film!!!

Anthony Farnell, Chief Meteorologist at Global News in Toronto, will be hosting the 3rd annual Toronto Black Film Festival’s Opening Night on Tuesday, February 10, 7:30PM at Isabel Bader Theatre.

TBFF’s opening film is Manos Sucias (Dirty Hands), by Josef Wladyka, executive produced by Spike Lee.

Here are 5 things you may not know about Anthony Farnell:

He is from Montreal’s West Island.

He graduated from Vermont’s Lyndon State College in 2003.

He began working on-air at KPAX in Missoula, Montana as a morning meteorologist.

In 2006, he became Chief Meteorologist at Global News in Toronto.

His sidekick and loyal friend, ‘Storm the weather dog,’ is famous in his own right and has been featured onGood Morning America, NBC Nightly News, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Conan and numerous local newscasts.

Come meet Anthony for what will be an exciting opening night of the 3rd annual Toronto Black Film Festival – presented by Global News – on Tuesday, February 10:Click here for details!

The 3rd annual Toronto Black Film Festival, presented by Global News, closes its 2015 edition on February 15th with a special double-event BLAXPLOITATION PARTY! First up, a mix of film clips and trailers assembled by DJ XL5, then it’s straight to the dancefloor for the hottest sounds in town! DJ XL5’S BLAXPLOITATION FLIX MIX PARTY premiered in summer 2014 in front of a sold-out audience at Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival, presented in collaboration with the Montreal International Black Film Festival. To celebrate Black History Month, the Toronto Black Film Festival is now bringing DJ XL5’S tribute to Black American cinema of the ’70s to Toronto, and will officially presents its encore screeening in Montreal on February 26.

Blaxploitation is a film genre that exploded in the United States in the 1970s. The productions featured memorable funk/soul soundtracks, as well as primarily black casts. Whether you’re looking for attitude, men getting tired of the Man, strong and charismatic women, exploding cars and furious fistfights, far-out fashion of the era, or blasts of black nationalism, you’ll find plenty of all those elements in DJ XL5’S BLAXPLOITATION FLIX MIX PARTY! It’s an over-the-top, packed-to-bursting bounty of cinematic fun, and the ideal introduction to a film genre that deserves the recognition.

Laborious preparation demanded the viewing of almost 200 feature films, of which 60 met the standards for the XL5 supercut. This film collage surveys the seismic impact of the genre on popular culture, still felt today in the contemporary cinema of the hip hop scene. Presenting its material in chronological order, DJ XL5’S BLAXPLOITATION FLIX MIX PARTY showcases the genre from its earliest moments to its final stages. It celebrates the mythic characters and the craftspeople who brought them to life on often tiny budgets. The mix of film clips and trailers dives into the heart of a vibrant culture, to the strains of truly memorable and amazing soundtracks. Whether the directors were black or white, Blaxploitation films of the 1970s spotlighted potent, iconic heroes, and their sensibilities were present across genres — the Western, the police drama, the gangster film, horror, prison flicks, biker movies, the biopic, sports dramas, martial arts, musical documentary and comedy. Pimps, dealers, gangsters and prostitutes prowl though the frames of these movies, which also provided a solid soapbox for political voices and social concerns, and salute the proud and the free. Tough protagonists standing up to “the Man” and against blind authority, corruption, drug trafficking, societal decay, organized crime and racism. Many of the films capture the struggles of a community in a time of emancipation.

DJ XL5 is a Montreal-based multimedia artist and collagist whose collages have traveled across Canada, the States and Europe, to film festivals, repertory cinemas and other special events. Since 2003, DJ XL5 created 14 thematic events, 12 short-film programs, 8 commissioned works, 3 multimedia performances, 3 video battles versus the Total Crap duo, directed 5 short features and wrote 3 screenplays.

After the screening of DJ XL5’S BLAXPLOITATION FLIX MIX PARTY, several renowned Toronto DJs will take the stage to make you dance and party right through to 2 AM with the iconic grooves of the ’70s! The event is co-hosted by Al Saint-Louis & MC Ebone, and features The Elite Sound (DJ Donavon, Mike from M.A.C Entertainment, JC From Sunshine & MC Groove). The Toronto Black Film Festival’s CLOSING NIGHT: BLAXPLOITATION PARTY is presented in collaboration with the Fantasia International Film Festival, G987FM, ICI Radio Canada, Montreal International Black Film Festival and Unleashed Legacies.

Montreal, February 2nd, 2015 – The 3rd annual Toronto Black Film Festival, presented by Global News, closes its 2015 edition on February 15th with a special double-event BLAXPLOITATION PARTY! First up, a mix of film clips and trailers assembled by DJ XL5, then it’s straight to the dancefloor for the hottest sounds in town! DJ XL5’S BLAXPLOITATION FLIX MIX PARTY premiered in summer 2014 in front of a sold-out audience at Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival, presented in collaboration with the Montreal International Black Film Festival. To celebrate Black History Month, the Toronto Black Film Festival is now bringing DJ XL5’S tribute to Black American cinema of the ’70s to Toronto, and will officially presents its encore screeening in Montreal on February 26.

Blaxploitation is a film genre that exploded in the United States in the 1970s. The productions featured memorable funk/soul soundtracks, as well as primarily black casts. Whether you’re looking for attitude, men getting tired of the Man, strong and charismatic women, exploding cars and furious fistfights, far-out fashion of the era, or blasts of black nationalism, you’ll find plenty of all those elements in DJ XL5’S BLAXPLOITATION FLIX MIX PARTY! It’s an over-the-top, packed-to-bursting bounty of cinematic fun, and the ideal introduction to a film genre that deserves the recognition.

Laborious preparation demanded the viewing of almost 200 feature films, of which 60 met the standards for the XL5 supercut. This film collage surveys the seismic impact of the genre on popular culture, still felt today in the contemporary cinema of the hip hop scene. Presenting its material in chronological order, DJ XL5’S BLAXPLOITATION FLIX MIX PARTY showcases the genre from its earliest moments to its final stages. It celebrates the mythic characters and the craftspeople who brought them to life on often tiny budgets. The mix of film clips and trailers dives into the heart of a vibrant culture, to the strains of truly memorable and amazing soundtracks. Whether the directors were black or white, Blaxploitation films of the 1970s spotlighted potent, iconic heroes, and their sensibilities were present across genres — the Western, the police drama, the gangster film, horror, prison flicks, biker movies, the biopic, sports dramas, martial arts, musical documentary and comedy. Pimps, dealers, gangsters and prostitutes prowl though the frames of these movies, which also provided a solid soapbox for political voices and social concerns, and salute the proud and the free. Tough protagonists standing up to “the Man” and against blind authority, corruption, drug trafficking, societal decay, organized crime and racism. Many of the films capture the struggles of a community in a time of emancipation.

DJ XL5 is a Montreal-based multimedia artist and collagist whose collages have traveled across Canada, the States and Europe, to film festivals, repertory cinemas and other special events. Since 2003, DJ XL5 created 14 thematic events, 12 short-film programs, 8 commissioned works, 3 multimedia performances, 3 video battles versus the Total Crap duo, directed 5 short features and wrote 3 screenplays.

After the screening of DJ XL5’S BLAXPLOITATION FLIX MIX PARTY, several renowned Toronto DJs will take the stage to make you dance and party right through to 2 AM with the iconic grooves of the ’70s! The event is co-hosted by Al Saint-Louis & MC Ebone, and features The Elite Sound (DJ Donavon, Mike from M.A.C Entertainment, JC From Sunshine & MC Groove). The Toronto Black Film Festival’s CLOSING NIGHT: BLAXPLOITATION PARTY is presented in collaboration with the Fantasia International Film Festival, G987FM, ICI Radio Canada, Montreal International Black Film Festival and Unleashed Legacies.

The Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) announced the programming line-up for the 3rd edition of the festival, presented by Global News, running from February 10th – 15th. Coinciding with Black History Month, the TBFF is proud to host another year celebrating diversity within the black communities through powerful films, a community program, and exciting special events.

“TBFF showcases the most outstanding and amazing black films while creating a space to debate major cultural, social, and socio-economic issues,” stated Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Festival. “Over the course of six days, festival-goers will have the chance to see actors and directors from here and abroad sharing their passions. There’s something for everyone!”

“Global News us thrilled to be partnering with the Toronto Black Film Festival once again, and we congratulate the festival orgainizers for adding a unique voice to Canada’s diverse and vibrant arts community,” said Ward Smith, Senior Director, News and Station Operations, Eastern Region.

The festival opens at the Isabel Bader Theatre with the award-winning film MANOS SUCIAS (Dirty Hands), by Joseph Wladyka, executive produced by Spike Lee. TBFF pays tribute to Blaxploitation icon Fred “The Hammer” Williamsonand Hollywood legend Bill Cobbs this year. They will be the first to receive an honourary award from TBFF.

Closing party for the 3rd Annual Toronto Black Film Festival combines film and music

for an unforgettable night at Toronto’s Revival

TORONTO, January 20, 2015 – Can you dig it? The 3rd Annual Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF), presented by Global News, wraps up six days of films and panels with one big party. The TBFFBlaxploitation Party, happening February 15 from 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM at Revival (783 College Street) is the official closing party for the festival. Celebrating the best and most influential films of the Blaxploitation genre, the TBFFBlaxploitation Party commemorates a movement that redefined film in the 1970’s and beyond. Partygoers are encouraged to wear ‘70s inspired wigs, heels, accessories and colourful outfits. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door.

“The TBFFBlaxploitation Party celebrates one of the most important cult genres in cinema,” said Fabienne Colas, Co-Founder and President of Toronto Black Film Festival. “It’s through this genre that our communities were first able to express their voice in commercial independent filmmaking, the influence of which reverberates in cinema today. We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Black History Month!”

Co-presented by G98.7FM, Radio-Canada, Fantasia International Film Festival and the Montreal International Black Film Festival, the party kicks off with a look back at Black American cinema of the ‘70s, showcasing a mashup of the best films and trailers of the genre in chronological order from its earliest moments to its final stages – put together by DJXL5. After, some of Toronto’s best DJs take the stage to spin top tracks from the ‘70s for an all-night dance party.

The TBFF Blaxploitation Party is co-hosted by Al Saint-Louis and MC Ebone, featuring DJs The Elite Sound (DJ Donavon, Mike from M.A.C. Entertainment, JC From Sunshine, and MC Groove). In collaboration with Unleashed Legacies and Motherland Entertainment.

The 3rd Annual Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) will run from February 10 to 15, 2015 and is presented by Global News.

Intriguing, international, entertaining, eye-opening, and educating, the Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) is about DISCOVERY & DIVERSITY! TBFF showcases the most outstanding and most powerful Black films while creating a space to debate major cultural, social and socio-economic issues. Created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, the Toronto Black Film Festival is dedicated to giving unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world. In connecting black films with viewers of all colours and ethnic origins, we recognize the differences that make us unique and celebrate the shared values that bring us together. Films illuminate, entertain and invite audiences to see the world from another person’s experience. Coming together through art allows members of all cultural communities to better understand one another.

About Global News

Global News is one of the best known media brands in the country. We are a digital first news organization dedicated to providing Canadians with the news and information relative to them on any platform, at any time. Global offers people, from coast to coast, a wealth of news, innovative storytelling and information; from breaking news in their community to deep engaging content from around the world. Locally, our connection to our viewers and the community we live in is unparalleled. Journalists working in our 12 award winning television stations provide nearly 400 hours of news content each week for their local markets as well as our national broadcasts, Global National, 16×9, The West Block, The Morning Show and globalnews.ca. Global News is committed to balanced and ethical journalism produced in the public’s interest.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, January 20,2015 – The Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) announced today the programming line-up for the 3rd edition of the festival, presented by Global News, running from February 10th – 15th. Coinciding with Black History Month, the TBFF is proud to host another year celebrating diversity within the black communities through powerful films, a community program, and exciting special events.

“TBFF showcases the most outstanding and amazing black films while creating a space to debate major cultural, social, and socio-economic issues,” stated Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Festival. “Over the course of six days, festival-goers will have the chance to see actors and directors from here and abroad sharing their passions. There’s something for everyone!”

“Global News us thrilled to be partnering with the Toronto Black Film Festival once again, and we congratulate the festival orgainizers for adding a unique voice to Canada’s diverse and vibrant arts community,” said Ward Smith, Senior Director, News and Station Operations, Eastern Region.

This year, TBFF is proud to offer 38 of the very best films depicting black realities from around the globe and a variety of breathtaking special events. TBFF would also like to congratulate its sister festival, the Montreal International Black Film Festival, presented by Global Montreal for the last five years, as they celebrated their 10th anniversary in September 2014.

The festival opens at the Isabel Bader Theatre with the award-winning film MANOS SUCIAS (Dirty Hands), by Joseph Wladyka, executive produced by Spike Lee. TBFF pays tribute to Blaxploitation icon Fred “The Hammer” Williamson and Hollywood legend Bill Cobbs this year. They will be the first to receive an honourary award from TBFF. As part of TBFF’s special events programming, the Festival is proud to run a three-part “Blaxploitation” series, featuring a screening the 1975 cult-classic Boss, “An Intimate Night With Fred “The Hammer” Williamson”, and the closing night TBFF Blaxploitation Party.

TBBF will also host a “Black Actors in Hollywood, Then and Now” panel discussion – featuring actors Fred Williamson, Lanette Ware and Bill Cobbs. In addition to the must-see films and the special events, movie-goers will also be able to enjoy FREE panel discussions (TBFF Community program) at the Carlton Cinema. All details can be found at the Festival’s website.

Co-Founder and Programming Director Emile Castonguay presented the slate for this year’s festival, which includes a wide range of genres and exciting special events.

Some highlights include: Manos Sucias (Dirty Hands), Una Vida: A Fable of Music and the Mind, Terrible Love, Nina’s Dowry, AIDependence: The Many Ills of the NGO System, The Supreme Price, We Are The Ones, You Belong To Me: Sex, Race and Murder on the Suwannee River, Sewing Hope: The Story of Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, Bound: Africans VS African-Americans, Des Étoiles (Under the Starry Sky), Haleema, Freedom Road, Narvalo and many more! Productions are divided into several categories: Narrative Feature Films, Mid-Length and Feature Documentary Films, and Short Films.

A SYMBOLIC CONTEXT

Black History Month allows movie-goers to reflect on the past in order to better understand the present and prepare for the future. 2015 is a symbolic year for the TBFF, commemorating 60 years since Rosa Parks’ refusal to surrender her seat to a white passenger on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama, initiated a new era in the American quest for freedom and equality. Fifty years since the assassination of human rights activist Malcolm X. Five years since the devastating earthquake in Haiti killed hundreds-of-thousands of people and left millions homeless.

Towing a submerged torpedo in the wake of their battered fishing boat, Jacobo, a desperate fisherman and Delio, a naive kid, embark on a journey trafficking millions of dollars of cocaine up the Pacific coast of Colombia. Refusing to glamorize the drug trade, Manos Sucias instead offers a rare glimpse of its devastating effects.

TBFF BLAXPLOITATION SERIES & CLOSING NIGHT

An unprecedented celebration of the deeply influential and flourishing commercial Black independent filmmaking of early 1970s that became known as “Blaxploitation” – present across many genres including the Western, the police drama, the gangster film, horror, prison flicks, biker movies, the biopic, sports dramas, martial arts, musical documentary and comedy. Pimps, dealers, gangsters and prostitutes prowl though the frames of these movies, which also provided a solid soapbox for political voices and social concerns, and saluted the proud and the free. These films often featured tough protagonists standing up to “the Man” and against blind authority, corruption, drug trafficking, societal decay, organized crime and racism. Many of them capture the struggles of a community in a time of emancipation. This series is co-presented by Fantasia International Black Film Festival.

Fred Williamson rose to prominence as one of the first African-American action stars of the “Blaxploitation” genre of the early 1970s; going on to lead to a long and illustrious career as an actor, director, writer, and producer. TBFF celebrates his contributions to the cult genre by awarding him with the TBFF 2015 Pioneer Award, followed by a screening of BOSS and a Q&A with Williamson himself.

The 1975 cult-classic Boss follows the story of a former slave named Boss who takes his freedom by force, and his loyal sidekick Amos scour the landscape in pursuit of Ged Layton, a white fugitive with a substantial price on his head. They’re going to bring law and order, and dispense a few lessons in human decency before they collect the reward for Layton. This screening will follow a tribute to Fred Williamson and will precede a discussion with the actor.

TBFF concludes with a celebration of the deeply influential “Blaxploitation” genre that redefined film in the 1970’s and beyond. First, a mix of film clips and trailers by DJ XL5, followed by an all-night dance party hosted by several of Toronto’s most popular DJs. Partygoers are encouraged to wear ‘70s inspired wigs, heels, accessories, and colourful outfits to boogie the night away.

TRIBUTE TO HOLLYWOOD LEGEND BILL COBBS

Hollywood Legend Wilbert “Bill” Cobbs has starred in over 160 television programs and movies. Cobbs will receive the Toronto Black Film Festival’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his amazing body of work and for his great contribution to Films both in Television and Cinema. The award ceremony will precede the special screening of Una Vida: A Fable of Music and the Mind, by Richie Adams. Followed by a Q&A session with the famed actor and the director of the film.

Hosted by: Rosey Edeh, Anchor of the “News at Noon” and host of “The Morning Show” at Global News.

This year we are excited to host a panel discussion about Black actors in modern Hollywood from the 1970’s to today. In recent years we’ve seen some amazing success for black films. The popularity and praise for such films as The Butler, 12 Years a Slave, Mandela, The Long Road to Freedom and Selma has created many opportunities for black actors. Is it a temporary trend or has the tide finally shifted?

INCLUSIVITY IN SCREEN BASED MEDIA: Examining history and planning our future.

Presented by ACTRA Toronto

Saturday, February 14 – 1:00 PM

ACTRA has been a leader, championing inclusivity in our industry for over 30 years. Many positive steps have been made, yet there is still work to do. Come join a powerhouse panel that includes industry professionals for an important discussion on how far we’ve come and what the next steps might be to ensure a rich cultural landscape on our screens. Hosted by: Sedina Fiati – ACTRA Member and Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee. Panelists include: Gail Harvey, Director; Michael White, Agent (Characters); Deanna Cadette, heads the BellMedia Diversity Screenwriters program; Angelica Lisk-Hann, Actor/Stunt Performer/Stunt Co-ordinator.

Many black women use chemicals to keep their hair curly or straight instead of nappy and kinky. Black women’s hair has become a hot topic since the release of Chris Rock’s 2009 documentary, Good Hair and the past few years have seen a growing movement that calls on Black women to get back to being Natural. Our panel will discuss the socio-political and historical issues around Black hair – gathering women on both sides of the fence for a real talk on the subject. Panelists include: Stephanie Joseph, Founder/Co-Producer of Toronto Naturals; Anya Grant, Founder and Creative Director of I Heart my Hair; Masani Montague, Founder/Coordinator of RastaFest.

Intriguing, international, entertaining, eye-opening, and educating, the Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) is about DISCOVERY & DIVERSITY! TBFF showcases the most outstanding and most powerful Black films while creating a space to debate major cultural, social and socio-economic issues. Created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, the Toronto Black Film Festival is dedicated to giving unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world. In connecting black films with viewers of all colours and ethnic origins, we recognize the differences that make us unique and celebrate the shared values that bring us together. Films illuminate, entertain and invite audiences to see the world from another person’s experience. Coming together through art allows members of all cultural communities to better understand one another.

About Global News

Global News is one of the best known media brands in the country. We are a digital first news organization dedicated to providing Canadians with the news and information relative to them on any platform, at any time. Global offers people, from coast to coast, a wealth of news, innovative storytelling and information; from breaking news in their community to deep engaging content from around the world. Locally, our connection to our viewers and the community we live in is unparalleled. Journalists working in our 12 award winning television stations provide nearly 400 hours of news content each week for their local markets as well as our national broadcasts, Global National, 16×9, The West Block, The Morning Show and globalnews.ca. Global News is committed to balanced and ethical journalism produced in the public’s interest.